Eddie Sefko: Well, all that speculation that he'd be back sooner than later is already looking like it will be wrong. He's still on target for playing five or six weeks after the surgery, which was Oct. 19. Plan on him missing the first 14 games, at least. But again, that's just my guesstimate. The team has said nothing about his potential return.

Jason .... any chance roddy and dom jones get sent some where before the trade deadline?

Eddie Sefko: All things hinge on the success of the team. If they continue to play well and the team is winning, why would the Mavericks ship them anywhere? Unless there's a no-brainer in return like a borderline star that another team wants to move in a salary dump. If you put in the three or four years getting these guys to where they are NBA-capable, why would you jettison them as soon as they start showing signs that they are getting it? Of course, the flip side to that is that if you think you can get added value for them, you sell high. And both are seeing their stock on the rise.

Frank ... What's surprised you the most in this small sample-size?

Eddie Sefko: Two things. First, the way Collison has taken ahold of this team and started making it into a legitimate uptempo speed show. He's been terrific. (Mayo, too, for that matter).

Second, Chris Kaman has a little more mobility and ball-handling skill than I thought. He put the ball on the floor a couple times against Portland and looked like he knew what he was doing. Very strange to see that out of a Maverick center.